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Biomechanical investigation of a custom-made insole to decrease plantar pain of children with flatfoot: A technical
Junchao Guo1, Jiemeng Yang1, Jingyu Pu2
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, Key Laboratory of Human Motion Analysis and Rehabilitation Technology of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, 100176 Beijing, PR China.
Custom orthotic insoles significantly reduced plantar pain in flatfoot patients by improving foot structure and redistributing pressure. This study highlights the effectiveness of custom insoles for managing flatfoot-related discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Flatfoot is characterized by abnormal plantar pressure distribution.
- This can lead to significant plantar pain and discomfort for patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of custom-molded orthotic insoles on plantar pain in individuals with flatfoot.
- To assess changes in foot structure and plantar pressure after using custom insoles.
Main Methods:
- 105 flatfoot patients (174 feet) used custom orthotic insoles for 6 months.
- X-ray imaging and scanning measured navicular tubercle height (HNT) and calcaneal deflection angle (DAC).
- Plantar pressure distribution was analyzed using an RSscan system.
Main Results:
- Custom insoles significantly reduced mean HNT and DAC (P < 0.05).
- Plantar pressure decreased at metatarsals 1-3 and increased at metatarsals 4-5.
- Visual analog scale scores for plantar pain showed significant reduction.
Conclusions:
- Custom-molded insoles effectively improve foot structure and reduce plantar pain in flatfoot patients.
- Load imbalance in the plantar foot, particularly at the metatarsals, may contribute to pain in flatfoot conditions.
